After a thrilling conclusion to the U.S. Gymnastics Olympic Trials at the Target Center, we have the Final Five heading over to Paris. With 20 elite gymnasts vying for the top spot, only 7, 2 as alternates, will represent the nation at the Summer Games. Among the aspirants were 2016 Alternate Donnell Whittenburg, and Olympic gold hopeful Yul Moldauer. Neither of them made it to the final team, but it looks like their Olympic dreams haven’t come to an end just yet!

USA Gymnastics declared the 2024 U.S. Olympic Men’s Gymnastics Team shortly after the trials ended. However, they recently announced the inclusion of Donnell Whittenburg, Yul Modauer, and Patrick Hoopes on the team. This news overjoyed fans, but what does this mean for the three of them?

Yul Moldauer & Donnell Whittenburg might still make it to Paris

The U.S Men’s Gymnastics Olympic Trials concluded last night, with the Final Five and 2 Alternates being announced by the end of it. However, Yul Moldauer and Donnell Whittenburg couldn’t make it to the team. Merely hours after the announcement, USA Gymnastics surprised fans with another announcement. They captioned it, “Donnell Whittenburg, Yul Moldauer and Patrick Hoopes were named as the Non-Traveling Replacement Athletes.” Fans were overjoyed, hoping to see the elite gymnasts step foot in the French capital.

But what does being a non-traveling replacement athlete entail? Despite being named as a member of the U.S. national team, the elite athletes don’t get to claim the title of Olympian just yet. According to the Tokyo 2020 Sports Entry Manual, any athlete that is announced as an alternate or replacement will have a shot at representing the nation only if an athlete cannot compete in a particular event. However, this will only go to the first designated reserve athlete. While this was in accordance with regulations back then, it still stands.

Moldauer has previously been a part of the 2020 Olympic team and stepped into Target Center, hoping to make it to the Final Five. Despite a stellar performance, he fell short and found himself in the 9th position with 165.3 points on the table. He ended day 2 by posting a heartfelt note to his fans, bidding farewell to his second Olympic run tweet.

However, this announcement has instilled some hope for both Moldauer and Whittenburg. Despite not being announced at the Target Center, it has instilled hope for both the athletes and their fans. They might not get the chance to perform on the grand stage, much like the latter back in 2016. But for now, they can still hold on to the dream of being an Olympian.

Fans react to the surprise announcement

Several fans were heartbroken to witness their favorite’s dreams come crashing down. As soon as USA Gymnastics deemed them as reserve athletes, fans made their way to twitter to voice their opinions. The announcement has garnered a mixed bag of concerns, sentiments, and questions. One fan confessed, “I wish there was a way these guys could travel with the team; they would be the ultimate hype / cheer for TEAM USA!!! 🇺🇸 so much heart there! 🇺🇸” Fans believe Moldauer and Whittenberg would replicate the same energy they witnessed from the stands at the Target center. 

Another fan was puzzled and asked, “Why is Yul Molduer not on this team ?” The 2020 Olympian would have had to finish 5th or 6th to make it on the team. However, he finished 9th by the end of Day 3, resulting in a heartbreaking goodbye to the Summer Games. One fan simply stated, “would’ve been nice to know yesterday” The Final Five and Alternates got to celebrate with their ardent fans in Minneapolis. Many believe it would have been nice for Yul and Donnell to share this with their fans and families at the stadium too.

However, one fan felt otherwise. They stated, “Glad Donnell got to have his standing ovations in the arena!” The oldest gymnast at the event has had a long-standing courtship with the Summer Games. But despite not making the team, fans were enthralled by the performance he put up. Another fan agreed, “I’m so proud of Donnell. His drive is admirable.” The 2016 Alternate gave it all he had during the trials, effortless winning hearts and praises. 

As we slowly approach the 2024 Paris Olympics, many are excited about what things might look like for the U.S. Olympic Men’s Gymnastics Team. The biggest question on everyone’s mind right now: Will Yul Moldauer find the chance to set foot in the French Capital? We just might find out in 26 days! Will you be watching?